By Micheal Goetz
From the high side of the parking lot that the church sits on, I get to look across and watch the fun. Many an afternoon one would be able to see the World Cup or Super Bowl unfolding out in the grass. That’s not all, over on the playground great feats of daring and exploration or a full throttle game of tag are taking place. It’s a busy place. But in the hurry and scurry of the recess periods come beautiful moments that lodge themselves in your heart.
The time a young girl, realizing that if she stayed on the swing another student wouldn’t get a turn, leaps off inviting the other to take her spot before running off in search of another thrill. Or at that same swing set, an older girl took her precious free time to push a younger student.
The time that the “it” in the game of tag took a break because the “pursued” requested a timeout to catch their breath.
The time the boys encouraged a younger and slower student to join in the game of football just because no one should be left out.
Certainly, there is still times homework isn’t done or patience gives way. We are talking about little humans, right!? But it’s in these times, these unassuming acts, that I have seen Jesus on our school playground. And in a world that is broken in every way possible, our playground speaks to me of a reality of hope.
—Micheal Goetz is the senior pastor at Campion Adventist Church. Reprinted from HMS Headlines e-newsletter. Photos by Kari Lange and Aubrey Nelson.
